Mary Allen
The Oriental Shorthair is a demanding, intelligent breed and therefore rather unsuitable for first-time cat owners. If you still fall in love with the beautiful velvet paw, you should find out all about it (also applies to experienced cat owners). She can have a dominant, idiosyncratic character that some people find exhausting. The oriental shorthair is not, however, required to take care of it. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient for their thin fur.
The smart kitty needs a wide range of employment opportunities in the apartment and is usually happy to be around other cats. Children are usually no problem for them. Dogs can tolerate them, but this depends on the particular cat.
The Oriental Shorthair is a popular breed of cat that is basically a variation of the Siamese. At the OKH there are a variety of color and pattern options, but the stature and character are still the same as that of the Siamese ancestors. The breed came about by crossing the Siamese and the Russian Blue in slender, short-haired cats.
The first Oriental Shorthair recognized in England in 1972 was a maroon variant with green eyes, which was called “Havana”. Three years later, the breed was also recognized in the United States.
In addition to the oriental shorthair, there is also the oriental longhair. Apart from the length of the fur, both races are similar in their behavior and temperament.
Breed-specific Traits
The Oriental Shorthair resembles the Siamese in character and is, therefore, more recommended for owners with experience of cats. She is considered extremely intelligent and very curious. Many representatives of the Oriental Shorthair are able to open drawers and cupboards or room doors. The breed needs a lot of attention and often demands it loudly. Like the Siamese, the Oriental Shorthair is one of the talkative cat breeds. She also likes to follow her people through the house or apartment.
Attitude and Care
As the name suggests, the coat of the Oriental Shorthair is relatively easy to care for due to its shortness. Brushing them weekly with a soft brush or stroking them with a damp hand is usually enough to remove loose hair. In winter, the oriental shorthair can become hypothermic due to its thin fur. It is, therefore, more suitable for housing. If the kitty should still be allowed to go outside, she should always have the opportunity to retreat into the warmth. A secure balcony or garden is therefore well suited.
The intelligent oriental shorthair needs various employment opportunities, especially in the apartment. If she feels under-challenged, this can lead to behavioral problems. Appropriate cat toys, clicker training, and a large scratching post usually put a lot of strain on the velvet paw. A cat partner to play and romp about is also an advantage.
The oriental shorthair is considered to be durable and robust. A life expectancy of 15 to 20 years is supposedly not uncommon. However, some hereditary diseases of the Siamese can also occur in this breed. As a rule, a responsible breeder will not use animals to breed that are affected by these diseases. Here you should consult and ask before purchasing.